Star Data Acquires Dataline As Consolidation Hits North Of The Border

Toronto-based Star Data Systems Inc. has acquired Mead Corp. unit Dataline Inc., also of Toronto, in an exchange of stock. No cash changed hands in the deal. The two competitors are expected to trim staff and plant where economies can be achieved. The quote services of the two companies will be combined.

"We're not in the business of losing money," comments Mead spokesman Jim Joseph. Dataline had an unspecified loss on C$17 million in revenues in 1989. Mead, which acquired Dataline for $10.1